Black Dragon Loop

Branching off Black Dragon Wash, this sandy loop offers primitive, dispersed camping. However, the best spots take a little exploring to find. The south end starts near the I-70 cattle gate and includes very soft sand and tight trees, making it a poor fit for full-size/wide vehicles and camper-top trucks. Those rigs should enter from the northern trailhead to reach the best campsites tucked back in the rocks. Overall, the trail is easy for most high-clearance 4x4s with off-road tires. The most accessible campsites are located near the northern trailhead in Black Dragon Wash, adjacent to the San Rafael River. The only major concerns along this trail are the soft sand and a rocky dirt climb with a blind summit, where visibility is limited for oncoming traffic.